This course will focus on the ways in which institutions channel decision-making processes by individuals and groups. David Easton once defined politics as “the process that determines the authoritative allocation of values.” Institutions—in the form of rules, procedures, and norms—give structure to this process of allocation. We'll explore the main theories used to explain the emergence and evolution of political institutions, and how they are used to resolve problems of collective action and resource allocation. With this foundation in place, the latter part of the course will examine the purpose and performance of a particular institution: redistricting commissions. We'll consider the context in which these commissions operate and how these commissions compare to alternative redistricting authorities. The final portion of the class will involve a simulation in which groups of students will construct a district map and advocate for its adoption.

Course Schedule:
January 10: Introduction

January 17: Problems of Collective Action and Common Resource

January 24: “New” and Historical Institutionalism

January 31: Rational Choice and Empirical Institutionalism

February 7: No class this week

February 14: The Institutional Presidency

February 21: Congress, Polarization, and the Filibuster

February 28: Courts in the Republic

March 7: No class this week
March 14: Federalism and Direct Democracy in the States (MIDTERM HANDED OUT)

March 21: Redistricting Criteria and Institutions (MIDTERM RESPONSES DUE)

March 28: Representation and Minority-Majority Districts

April 4: Effects of Redistricting on Voter Behavior and Incumbency

April 11: Arizona Case

April 18: No lecture
April 25: Presentations of District Plans

Class Participation 30% of final grade
• Midterm 30% of final grade
• Group Presentation and Report 40% of final grade